The Cursed Herald

by Rina S Mamoon

  “There is someone who may know,” the Watcher said.

  Mara looked back at her. “Who?”

  “I will show you.” The creature held out her hand.

  She gazed at the Watcher’s hand before taking it. As soon as she took her hand, a bright flash of light blinded Mara, forcing her to shut her eyes. When she opened them again, she found herself back in a familiar laboratory. She spotted the desk with a microscope on top. There was also a strange-looking black box sitting on it as well. The examination table was near. She remembered laying on it during a procedure performed on her. Various test tubes and samples sat on a shelf.

  “What’s going on?”

  Mara heard a man call from another room.

  A middle-aged man wearing a white lab coat walked in. Dr. Moen appeared to have gained a few more strands of grey mixed with his blond hair compared to the last time she saw him. He also gained a few more wrinkles on his face. However, his blue eyes remained vibrant behind his glasses.

  The doctor saw Mara and froze. He appeared stunned to see her here. He raised his hand and pointed at her. “How did you get here?” He shook his head. “No, no, no! You have to leave. As much as I despise the Faith, I can’t let you stay. They’ll burn this place to the ground!”

  Mara watched as he rambled. The truth was undeniable. The goddess was right. Thirty years had passed since Mara became an undying. It was like a bad dream in which she couldn’t awaken from. Many thoughts ran through her head as she tried to sort out the facts from the lies. The last three decades remained a mystery. She looked at the middle-aged doctor. After all this time, his personality hadn’t changed much. Once, she thought he was the father of Allen and James, but she remembered—when the twins were children, they lost their father and lived with other relatives.

  The Watcher walked in front of the doctor and gazed at her.

  He took notice. “What are you doing?” Dr. Moen addressed his creation.

  The creature ignored him. “Show him your face,” the Watcher addressed her.

  Dr. Moen was baffled, but then he saw Mara remove her hood.

  “Hello, Allen…” Mara pulled her mask down. “It’s been a while.”

  Doctor Allen Moen froze while Mara gazed back at her old friend. While he became a brilliant scientist, inventor, and advisor to the chancellor, she didn’t change at all. Allen was now fifty-five while Mara looked not a day over twenty-five. The doctor broke down in tears. She approached him and wrapped her arms around him as he continued to sob. Watching him cry made her want to cry as well.

  “I’ve been searching for answers all this time, believing you were still alive,” he sobbed. “You were right in front of me for the past month.” He pulled away and wiped his tears before giving a questioning glance. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

  “I had amnesia,” Mara replied, “and I didn’t recognize you at first, given it’s been thirty years.” She glanced at him from head to toe.

  Allen sat down on a chair and gawked at her. “You lost your memories?”

  “Didn’t know anything before becoming an undying. I was even unaware thirty years passed. About a month ago, I woke up in the Dark Labyrinth, not knowing I was a prisoner. Ended up in Ozin and met Saskia, who took me in. On the same night, the Forgotten Ones attacked and the White Lady returned. Saskia persuaded me to come with her to slay the monster.” Mara paused. “That’s when I found out I was one of the undying. Saskia knew what I was. She wanted me to meet Harold of the Silver Thorns. We were to leave the next day, but…”

  “Saskia was murdered,” Allen said.

  She nodded. “And I was accused. After my secret was exposed, the village hanged me. Thanks to the curse, I returned to life and went to Greyward Hold to meet Harold. He offered to help me in exchange for finding Saskia’s murderer. Then came all those events, like the deception leading to Heru’s death, having to save the commander and his adopted father from Lady Isabella…”

  “And having to save the commander yet again from Anna,” Allen added.

  “That is correct,” Mara said. “I was also searching for a way to lift my curse. Harold had me hunt the undying and claim their souls. He said it would help me. So far, I’ve slain the White Lady, the Siren, and the Marionette.”

  “Does it really help you?” Allen asked.

  “Every time I claim an undying’s soul, I regain my human appearance until the next death,” Mara explained. “Healing stones also work, but they’re very rare to find. There’s also the blood of the God-King, though it’s only temporary.”

  The doctor exchanged glances with the Watcher before turning his gaze onto Mara. “Interesting,” he said. “Do you remember anything from your human life?”

  “I do,” Mara replied, glancing at his creation.

  Allen took notice and looked at the Watcher as well. “Yes, you had your humanity shut off, courtesy of Lady Isabella. The Watcher restored it by recovering your memories.” He looked back at her. “So, you remember me, right? We went to college together.”

  “Yes, I remember you and James,” Mara answered. “Mr. White was our history professor. He told me the last time I saw him.” She frowned. “Karl was my fiancé.”

  Allen folded his arms and gave a sad smile. “Mr. White always apologized for his son’s behaviour.”

  “Mom once introduced us,” Mara said. “The first time I met him, I didn’t exactly meet his expectations.”

  “You mean he was racist?” Allen questioned bluntly. “Karl was a jerk, albeit a very smart one. Claimed to have the best education and studied at some prestigious academy in Corlin. Everyone called him the smartest man in all of Ardana before he became the most powerful man in this land.”

  It was all coming back to Mara. Talking to an old friend brought back some aspects of her former life.

  “He accused you of lowering the class average, even though you didn’t have the lowest grade!” Allen exclaimed. “Created a petition to have you removed from class. James and I helped you raise your grades, but he accused you of cheating! He never wanted to admit you were…”

  “More than a filthy savage?” Mara interrupted.

  “You said it, not me!” He raised an eyebrow. “What did you see in him?”

  “Mr. White claimed I resembled his dead wife,” Mara murmured. “At first, I thought it’d be better to avoid him at all costs. Didn’t want to attend Graduation, but Mom and Dad insisted I go.” She then recalled her parents. “Where are my parents?”

  Allen’s face fell to a frown. He stood up and watched her. “Since you told me everything, you deserve to know,” he said sombrely.

  Taking notice of his tone, Mara grew concerned. Still, she wanted to know where they were since they no longer lived in their old home.

  Allen took a deep breath. “Mara, your father is dead and your mother is in a coma.”

  Mara froze. An intense feeling of dread washed over her as tears threatened to spill.

  “How did he die?” Mara demanded while fighting back her tears.

  Allen placed his hands in his lab coat pockets. “It happened thirty years ago. They went to confront the Faith in Golden Mountain after Mr. White said you died. Your mother now resides in Mirahyll Hospital, a few blocks from here. James is her current doctor. He’s been watching for any progress, but she’s been like that since you and your dad…” Allen stopped as soon as he saw her face.

  Mara was silent for a while. “I want to see her.”

  Allen nodded. “Okay, but we should go with you.” He gestured to the Watcher. “Considering what is now happening, you shouldn’t be alone.”

  Chapter Three

  Always your Daughter

  Allen and the Watcher accompanied Mara to Mirahyll Hospital, which was a few blocks away. Getting there was easy and no one casted any suspicious gazes at her. The three came before a large brick building with several windows. At the main entrance were a few people standing around. They didn’t seem to mind the three as they walke
d inside.

  Entering the hospital, Mara saw a large group of people. Many of the sick or injured were laying on hospital beds. At least none seemed to care about her presence because they had their own issues. Doctors and nurses were also present, taking care of the patients and sorting them out. Some were taken away to another part of the hospital. It reminded Mara of her last visit to this place. Once, she got critically ill. Mom brought her here, but none of the doctors could diagnose what was wrong. It was so long ago; she was only a toddler. Glancing back at the doctors and nurses, they appeared understaffed. The amount of patients was overwhelming.

  “James is the Chief of Staff,” Allen explained, looking around. “Hmm, he’s not around here. He must be somewhere else in the hospital.”

  Mara remained quiet while they searched for the closest staff member who didn’t appear too busy. They spotted a plump middle-aged nurse. She was replacing dirty linens and sheets with clean ones before noticing their approach.

  The nurse asked, “How can I help you?”

  The words were lodged in Mara’s throat. Allen glanced over at her and realized she wouldn’t be in the mood for talking, so he spoke for her.

  “We’re here to see Mrs. Daniella Ashwood.”

  The smile faded from the nurse’s face upon hearing the name. She gazed at Mara, noticing the sadness and fear in her eyes, yet one strong emotion stood out the most—guilt. The nurse gave a sympathetic look. “I’m sorry, but I don’t think Mrs. Ashwood is well enough to receive visitors today.”

  Mara’s eyes narrowed. “Please, I want to see my mother,” she said just above a whisper.

  The nurse appeared surprised to know her relation to Mrs. Ashwood. “I’m sorry, but your mother hasn’t been well at all. She’s been growing weaker as of late. She might be gone by the end of the day.”

  Mara fought back her tears. “She’s that bad?”

  She could no longer speak. A hand rested over her own. Mara looked back to see Allen’s reassuring gaze.

  “Come on, let’s go see your mother,” he said softly. Dr. Moen addressed the nurse. “Can you please tell us where she is?”

  The nurse gave them directions to Mom’s room.

  On the way, Mara peered inside an open hospital room. An old man with a large bruise on his face was laying on one of the beds. She identified him as the father who tried to stop the Holy Blades from arresting his daughter. He appeared to be asleep, though it was possible he hadn’t awakened from being knocked out. She wondered if there were others like him.

  After walking past the room, a sense of dread swelled within her mind. Mara was going to meet one of her parents after thirty years, yet didn’t know what to expect. Would her mother even recognize her? She struggled to keep her tears from flowing. She was afraid of what she would see, but Allen and the Watcher encouraged her to keep moving until they reached the end of the hall. Her mother was in a room on the left.

  When Mara saw her, she almost didn’t recognize her. The dark hair Mom maintained was now pure white. Many wrinkles adorned her face, she had to be at least in her eighties. The old woman was laying in a hospital bed. The only sign of life was the slight rising and falling of her chest. Mom was a shell of her former self; all these years in the sanatorium took a toll. Now she was kept here to die alone. Mara didn’t know if she should be horrified or ashamed. The daughter pulled down her mask and lowered her hood, hoping her mother would recognize her face.

  “Mom,” Mara choked out. Mom didn’t respond. She was still in her deathbed. Coming closer, Mara grew horrified. Her mother’s eyes were glazed over and her wrinkled face was devoid of emotion.

  Tears threatened to spill from Mara’s eyes. “What happened, Mom?”

  Mrs. Ashwood stared into the empty space, as if her daughter wasn’t there. After approaching her mother’s side, Mara fell to her knees.

  “Mom, I’m here.” Tears leaked from Mara’s eyes. “I came back to see you. I’m sorry… I’m so sorry I couldn’t get back to you sooner.” She broke down and cried.

  Allen placed a hand on her shoulder. “It’s not your fault,” he assured her.

  She glared at him with red eyes. “I said yes to marrying Karl! I agreed to go to the temple without them knowing!” Mara cried. The daughter switched her attention back onto her mother and took her frail hand. The glare lightened up from her face. “Mom,” she called, but got no response. She squeezed her hand gently.

  Allen and the Watcher looked on while Mara pleaded with her mother.

  “We can help her. We can break her out of this coma,” Allen said. Mara glanced back at him. The Watcher turned her head to him as well. He nodded and gazed back at his creation. “Yes, we can use the Watcher.”

  The Watcher asked, “What about Davis?” Allen gave a sour expression. His creation stared back at him with glowing eyes. “You intend to do this despite promising him you wouldn’t,” she said, the glow fading from her eyes.

  “I’m not one to do things behind his back, but this is Mara we’re talking about!” Allen declared.

  “I see,” the Watcher said, “but the decision should fall to her.”

  They both gazed at her. Mara looked at Allen, then the Watcher. She rose to her feet while keeping her eyes on the creature.

  “Do it.” Mara glanced back at Mom. “I want her to know I’m here.”

  Allen nodded to the Watcher, telling her to do her part. The Watcher stepped towards Daniella. She placed her right hand on the old woman’s forehead. The creature’s eyes glowed bright. Mara and Allen watched in silence. After a few moments, the creature froze and began to shake. The two looked concerned.

  Mara turned to Allen. “What’s going on?”

  She noticed the worried expression on her friend’s face. Allen took a step forward.

  “Something is wrong,” he said in a serious tone.

  Mara glanced back and noticed Mom convulsing. Whatever was happening, it could endanger her as well. She reached for the Watcher’s hand, hoping to remove it from her mother’s forehead. The doctor took notice and held out his hand.

  “Mara, no! Stop!” Allen cried, but it was too late.

  She grabbed the Watcher’s hand, only to feel a powerful shock rushing through her body. Her mind was assaulted by a flurry of images. Among them, Mara saw Dad in Kallisto’s arms, kissing the goddess. The next thing she saw was her father dead on the ground. She even saw herself in the distorted vision. A dark aura exuded from her as she glared at Dad’s murderer with glowing eyes. Commander White and his father were also present, yet did nothing. They were on Kallisto’s side. The undying attempted to lunge at the goddess, but was held back by chains binding her wrists and ankles. She tried again and almost broke free. A Holy Blade approached to protect Kallisto, but came a little too close. Mara hit his face so hard, she tore his bottom jaw off. It was the first time she ever killed someone.

  Mara blacked out, but not before hearing her mother screaming in anguish.

  ***

  “Mara, can you hear me?”

  Mara’s eyes fluttered open upon hearing Allen’s voice. She found herself laying on the ground beside Mom’s bed. She looked up at the concerned face of her friend. The Watcher was also gazing at her.

  “What happened?” Allen questioned.

  Mara trembled while struggling to her feet. Not only was she shaken up by the disturbing vision of Dad’s death, the lingering volts remained in her body. It took a while for the tingling sensation to fade.

  The Watcher stared at her with glowing eyes. “You witnessed your father’s murder,” she said, then looked at Mrs. Ashwood. “Kallisto killed him before his wife and daughter. That moment always in her eyes, reliving the nightmare for three decades. Mrs. Ashwood blamed herself for both her husband and daughter’s death.”

  Allen gawked at the Watcher before turning back to Mara. He gave a sorrowful look.

  “I’m sorry,” he said softly.

  Mara stared off into space. “She murdered him,” she h
issed.

  She remembered being dragged out of the dungeon in chains to watch Kallisto murder her father. Her captors said her parents came looking for her. It was also when the curse took hold and the undying manifested. Despite being struck down by Kallisto and torn apart by the Dark Dweller, Dad’s death was the trigger. The intense feeling of anger grew within her.

  Allen looked sympathetic. “If you don’t mind me asking, how did she kill him?”

  Mara had no desire to say anything.

  “Kallisto kissed him,” the Watcher answered for her.

  His eyes grew wide. “So, the legends are true?” Allen questioned. “Kallisto is so powerful, she could kill a mortal man with a single kiss!”

  Mara looked away. She wanted to recede into her shell. After learning what the goddess did, the rage grew stronger. The truth became a harder pill to swallow. All she could think about was Dad’s death and Mom’s anguish. Her mother’s screams echoed in her mind. She clenched her teeth while dark emotions overcame her. Not even the voices of her friends could calm her. She wanted revenge.

  A loud gasp snapped Mara out of her anger. It sounded as if someone emerged from being underwater for a long time. She gazed at her friends. They were looking at the old woman laying in bed. Allen and the Watcher glanced back at Mara. They parted ways to reveal the old woman now awake and alert. Mom’s eyes were no longer glazed over; they were now the pale blue colour Mara knew.

  “Mom!” Mara dashed to her bedside. The daughter fell to her knees so her mother could get a clear look at her face. Mrs. Ashwood glanced over at her. No smile was present on her face, but a look of horror. She released a weak cry of fear. This confused Mara. Why was Mom terrified of her?

  “Your face,” Allen said.

  Mara noticed a mirror hanging on a wall, reflecting her transformed visage. Mrs. Ashwood didn’t see her daughter beyond the glowing eyes, the dark blotches on her face, or even the elongated canines. Gazing back at her mother’s face brought Mara back to the time of Dad’s death. Mom also witnessed her daughter’s transformation into a monster. Now the same monster was sitting next to her. Mrs. Ashwood’s breathing became more raspy. Mara stood up and backed away, wondering if her appearance was causing Mom to have a heart attack.